Brace Yourself: Midterms are Coming

Hey! We know midterms can be stressful. Sometimes they just have a way of bringing you down. We’re here to here to tell you that you can do it. And if you have a rough go of an exam, that’s okay. We’re here for you either way.

AP here. That time of year has come again and yes, I still feel the same way as last semester. Midterms are stressful and ugly and sad, but they also give you a chance to show what you have learned and to impress yourself with your potential. Last semester I wrote about taking care of yourself to survive this week at the bare minimum. However, I would like to challenge everyone to embrace this semester’s midterms and really tackle them head on. You can do this. You will do this. You will get over this obstacle. It will feel good at the end of the day. Use this as a chance to prove to yourself that you know your stuff and then if you don’t, use midterms as a marker for where you can improve. It’s all in the mindset. Believe in yourself. Go Hawks.

I’m that student who obsesses over grades even though I know it’s okay to get less than straight A’s in college. I think I just never got over high school mode where higher GPA’s were the norm. But here’s the deal: I’m not good at taking test. I get stressed out even though I know that exam results aren’t a reflection of my abilities of a student. So if you’re like me, know that I totally know how you feel. Here’s my little bit of advice Do your best on an exam so that you leave knowing that you gave it your best shot. I always feel better knowing that I can leave the exam without regrets no matter how I think I did. If you get your exam back, and you aren’t happy with a score, take this as an opportunity to go to office hours and get some one-on-one help! Some of the best conversations I have had with professors has been after an exam. No matter what, if you keep working hard, you deserve to be proud after your exam. That’s hard stuff, and you did it! – ❤ Naomi

Tom Brady was down by 25 points in the 3rd quarter of the Super Bowl and still ended up winning. Don’t stress too hard, you’ll be okay. And unlike for the patriots, I will be cheering for you. -Kelin

Midterms are here and I’ve been asked AKray why aren’t you stressing out like the rest of us and I have an easy answer to this. I’ve dealt with high levels of stress before, the day was November 2, 2016. Game seven of the world series, my beloved cubs had finally made it. The postseason or beginning of the semester had its ups and down but I never saw this day coming. The weeks leading into the World Series or Midterms I felt prepared and then it arrived, game seven, midterm week. The first inning (midterm 1), you are nervous, sweating, maybe even crying. The first at bat goes great, you hit one out of the park and lead the game 1-0. It’s smooth sailing until the bottom of the third where you have some minor setbacks and there’s a surprise pop quiz out of nowhere. You remind yourself it’s only a few points, there are 7 innings, and you still have the test, you can make a comeback. You make it the top of the sixth inning, your second to last test and you’re a “glass case of emotion”. Slam! Long ball out of right field, home run! Another test down and one to go. Bottom of the sixth you’re think you can actually make it through when you find out there’s a paper due next week and school takes a three point lead. Stress levels increase, its only Wednesday your next test isn’t until Friday. It’s a rain delay, in the top of seventh. Friday arrives, you bring your A-game, base hit after base hit, and you have the lead again. Now all that’s left is the paper. It’s the bottom of the ninth your energy is low you think there’s no way I can do this, it’s a one-run game. A tough play, the ball is hit to third and that’s it you did it! Midterms are done and you are a champion! Midterms may be stressful and you win some and lose some but if you bring your A-game you can come out the champion of Midterms. P.S 45 days until opening day! ~ Akray

Howdy folks, hope your semester is going swimmingly. Midterms are some of the things I enjoy least about college. Midterms are the salads of all salads. For those of you who don’t know… I really dislike salads. But, there are a few things I do to stay happy. One, if I have to eat salad, I get it done with first before enjoying the rest of my meal. In other words, study hard first, and then, go enjoy yourself. Kick back, watch some tv, play some video games, or hang out with friends. I don’t need to tell you that midterms are important. But they are not the end all, be all. Study hard, get help if you need it, and enjoy your time in college. – A. Deer